General School Introduction

Ballina High School is a coeducational high school. It is the original high school in the town and provides quality educational and vocational opportunities for young people residing in the town and the neighbouring sugar cane growing farmland.

Some programs are unavailable in other Australian schools. Students who are 15 years or older can obtain their ultra-light pilot’s licence in the school plane. Year 11 and 12 students can study aeronautics, which counts to the Higher School Certifi cate. Students can also gain their car driver’s licence.

The marine discovery and resource centre is nationally acclaimed. Credentials offered include the PADI international scuba, boat licence, marine coxswain and aquaculture.

Over the past 16 years, the school has established a sister-school with Toke High School in Japan. Every alternate year, an exchange visit enables students to experience aspects of Japan. Students have graduated to undertake courses in medicine, optometry, aeronautics, pharmacy, teaching, veterinary, engineering, graphics, nursing, accountancy, automotive, hairdressing, and much more.

In 2007, Ballina High School will offer school based apprenticeships through one of the two NSW Trade Schools. Students will gain their HSC while learning a trade.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

• Special ESL programs are available when funded by DET

Languages Taught

• Japanese and Indonesian
• Italian, German, Spanish, and French through our local school Special Programs
• Gifted and Talented Programs
• Bands – concert, stage, dixie, and rock bands have attained state, interstate, and national awards
• Sports – Australian Olympic champions have attended the school in recent time
• Marine Studies
• Interschool debating and public speaking
• Aeronautics and fl ying club
• Workplace learning programs

Student Support Services and Programs

• Year advisers
• School counsellors
• Student Representative Council
• School to work coordinator

Special Facilities

• Computer laboratories and robot
• Dual-controlled driver car
• Electrical car
• Commercial kitchens
• Engineering workshops
• Construction
• Aeroplane
• Jet fl ight simulator
• Six motor boats
• 25-seat troop carrier
• Multipurpose hall
• High-class oval and sporting fi elds
• Extensive library of books, DVDs, CDs
• Eight science laboratories
• Marine discovery centre
• Darkroom
• Three visual arts studios
• Amphibious vehicle LARC-V
• Spectacular garden-like grounds

HSC Results and Year 12 University/TAFEPlacements

• The schools boasts outstanding results in the HSC and many students gain scholarships
• Over half of Year 12 students are offered placement at universities

Features of Local Area

• • Ballina is a coastal tourist town with a subtropical climate and 22 000 people
• The town boasts surfi ng beaches and is situated on the mouth of the Richmond River with protected bays
• Gold Coast is one-hour north and Byron Bay is 30 minutes north
• The hinterland has rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife

Ballina High School has achieved:

• Director-General’s Awards of Excellence for academic achievement in aviation, marine, music, driver education, student and curriculum
• Australian and NSW Training Award 2004
• Ministers Award of Excellence for Student Achievement in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006
• International Science Forum attendee 2006, National 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
• North Coast Vocational Excellence in Schools Award – 2002, 2004
• District Award for Academic Excellence – 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Professional Teacher Council Media Award – 2002, 2003, 2005
• Readers Digest Environmental Awardm in 2002
• Australia’s Best Schools Program Award: Marine – 2003
• NSW Tidy Towns Environment Award in 2005

Contact our team for free to study at Australian schools.